Barcelona’s Commitment to Gender Equality Amid Controversy Surrounding Jerome Boateng

Jerome Boateng announced his retirement from professional football in September, concluding his tenure with the Austrian club LASK.

FC Barcelona has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to addressing gender-based violence following criticism stemming from a recent visit by Boateng, the former Bayern Munich and Germany defender. Last week, the club shared a video on X, titled “Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva, Jerome Boateng,” showcasing him interacting with ex-teammate Robert Lewandowski during a training session.

Boateng was previously handed a suspended fine of €200,000 (£176,000) and received a warning from a Munich court after being convicted of premeditated bodily harm against his former partner. The 37-year-old has denied any wrongdoing during a 2018 altercation while on holiday and appealed his initial guilty verdict from 2021. The trial last year in Munich marked the third legal proceeding related to the case.

Barcelona released the video featuring Boateng just two days prior to the club’s first match back at their refurbished Nou Camp stadium in over two years. Ahead of the game, the club announced it would observe a minute’s silence to honor all women who have lost their lives due to male violence, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The posting of the video and the subsequent tribute drew significant criticism on social media, with fans describing the situation as “embarrassing” and “ironic.”

In response, Barcelona issued a statement clarifying, “Jerome Boateng has no contractual relationship or active role within the club. His presence was strictly a one-off educational visit as part of his personal journey towards obtaining a coaching licence. This was not an institutional invitation for any sporting or representative functions.

“The club remains steadfast in its dedication to combating gender-based violence. We acknowledge the sensitivity surrounding this matter and regret any perception of inconsistency. Our tributes and moments of remembrance for women who have suffered from male violence are fundamental values that we uphold, and nothing that occurred was intended to undermine that message.”

Last month, Boateng, a member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team, had to cancel a coaching internship he had planned at Bayern Munich due to protests and backlash from fans. Following his retirement in September, he intends to pursue a coaching career, with aspirations to obtain his UEFA B coaching licence by November 2024.

In a tragic development, another former partner of Boateng took her own life in 2021, with reports indicating that he had recently ended their relationship.